The Avatars -- Chapter 8: Temples and Torments
She ran her hands over the glossy rosewood of the doors that felt satiny-soft under her fingertips, inhaling the heady incense that pervaded the temple grounds. A sense of peace radiated outwards; although the area surrounding the temple was filled with sound from the rattling wagons and the raucous townsfolk, the hidden realm inside the doors was ghostly still. Silence reigned there, as well as a certain tranquility that planted itself in the hearts of the temple's inhabitants and stayed with its visitors for several days after their visits.
As she paused before the large double-doors of the temple, Kassia ignored the early-morning crush of the farmers getting their produce to the markets, harried servants on errands, and the inevitable collisions that occurred in the crowded streets. Her fingers splayed over the smooth wood of the doors, passing over the grooves and carvings that told the history of the gods. Here, she touched with her index finger the creation of the world, where Chaos and Night spawned Love. Farther off, the various fates of the Titans were recorded, the doomed siblings who spawned the Pantheon and were subsequently conquered by their offspring.
Kassia had loved the doors from the first time she had seen them, for they held everything in the world: life and death, sunrise and sunset, joy and sorrow, love and betrayal, beauty and cruelty, truth and lies, gods and mortals. At last, with a final glance at the twenty-foot walls that surrounded the dwelling of the Vestal Virgins, she gave a gentle tug to the bellpull.
Within a few seconds, the slat in the door, about eye level, was drawn open with a clack, and twinkling blue eyes peered out at her. "Good morning!" the doorkeeper sang out, then toned down her voice when she realized her exuberance was not befitting of a priestess. It was just so hard, she thought, to be entertained by her duties. No one interesting ever came to the door at the crack of dawn. "Ahem. What is your name and your business with the temple?"
This acolyte was rather more lively than the sedate priestesses Kassia was used to, but she smiled at the younger girl, who reminded her of someone she just couldn't think of at the moment... "Good morning. My name is Kassia, and I am here to see Lady Hestia," she said readily.
The eyes were replaced by a glimpse of wheat-colored hair. "Do we know a Kassia?" the girl whispered to an unseen partner.
"Yes, you nitwit!" another voice hissed in response. "Lady Kassia is Lord Ares's avatar... She often visits Lady Hestia. Don't you remember anything you hear? Now hurry up and open the door; you don't want to keep her waiting."
Kassia hid a smile, waiting patiently for the door warden to return. She wasn't worried by the older girl's stern tone; the words sounded harsh, but there was a tolerant affection in her voice, like that of a long-suffering older sister watching out for the younger.
The blue eyes returned, and their owner said apologetically, "Sorry ma'am, one minute, please," and the door opened. Kassia found herself staring at the blue-eyed brunette and a dark-haired girl with doe-brown eyes. Both were garbed in white togas and neatly-fastened sandals.
The older girl swept a brisk curtsey while the brunette teetered somewhat on hers a minute later. "We thank you for your patience, Lady Kassia. Please forgive Diana; she's new here, and this is her first shift as door warden." All traces of amused annoyance had fled from her voice, which was now very formal.
It was then that Kassia recalled who the pair reminded her of: herself and Rhoswen, where she would do the scolding and Rhoswen would cause the exasperation. Oddly enough, it was Diana she warmed to instead of the dark-haired girl. Like knew like, and she was long-acquainted with the shadows that lurked in the depths of the girl's chocolate-brown eyes.
It was that girl, the nameless girl, who had left her charge with strict directions on how to man her post, who led Kassia to one of the little box-gardens of the temple that she was familiar with, having waited there several times in the past for Hestia to be finished with her affairs. After she thanked her guide, who bowed and backed away somewhat cautiously, she sat down on one of the white stone benches.
She felt tired and somehow old already when met with Diana's cheerful effervescence. Her conscience pricked her sharply as she thought of Rhoswen, who she had not spoken to for some time. Kassia's cheeks warmed slightly when she thought of the last time she and Rhoswen had talked the other girl had been asking for guidance on dealing with Apollo and Kassia remembered with some shame the uncomfortable incident with Mehalia and the fact that she still hadn't apologized yet.
Shoving the episode from her mind and promising to see both of them soon, Kassia lifted her head and regarded her surroundings. The plants were tended by master gardeners, and those in season flowered cheerfully, painting the verdant green backdrop with pretty reds, blues, purples, and golds. The potent scent of the incense that permeated the temple was dispelled by the more natural smell of flowers here, and Kassia breathed deeply of the cleansed air.
None of the other avatars visited the temple as frequently as she did. When she had first begun to call on Hestia, it had been not only to meet the woman but also to see the place where she would spend the rest of her life once she was freed from Ares's service. She liked Hestia, who ruled the place with authority and also compassion, and it was rare for Kassia to like people.
The temple was another matter entirely. Part of her embraced it as a sanctuary, where she gained a sense of peace from it as most visitors did. She felt that she could live here happily all her life with that serenity. The other half of her cried out against the restraints, begging to be liberated from such a place. It was also the side of her that caused her to feel a crushing sense of guilt whenever she approached those imposing, carved double-doors at the main entrance. Still, the aura of the temple drew on her with an addictive pull, an eternal torment she could not stay away from.
What are the likes of you doing here?' her mind whispered as she cringed away from that accusatory voice. You don't belong here. You're a fraud. You're filthy; you'll contaminate the sanctity of the temple...or you'll be locked up like mad Eileithyia.'
Eileithyia had been the most beautiful woman of her generation and Ares's previous avatar. She had gone insane within a few years, eventually flying into a great rage and attacking Aphrodite. Kassia, who sympathized with poor Eileithyia, still wished that there had been some permanent damage to the goddess's face. Instead, Aphrodite, clinging to Ares in a well-planned swoon, had demanded that Eileithyia be sent to Hestia's temple for an indefinite period of time to "recover." She had never returned to Olympus.
~~~~~*~~~~~
It had initially disconcerted Eurus to see the reason for his visit to Hestia blithely entering the temple doors, her dark hair gleaming in the hot sunlight. She couldn't be in that much trouble, he grumbled silently to himself as he peered out at her, if her status was high enough to warrant her almost immediate entrance and deep curtsies from the two acolytes.
About to announce his presence to the doorkeeper, Eurus paused a moment longer, using his magic to look through the polished wood at the raven-haired woman. Nothing about her made sense, he thought to himself. It was clear that she was of high rank, and he suspected that she was married no, he was absolutely sure of it. No woman that beautiful could be unmarried. And yet, he had just met her a few days ago, tearing across a dusty field and willing to help him nurse an injured crow back to health. That field was very far from Hestia's temple, surely more than two days' passage for mortals, so Eurus deduced that Kassia was also acquainted with some of the gods and goddesses, which fit with his guess that she was of the patrician class.
And yet, surely a woman acquainted with immortals could solicit their aid against an abusive husband. He suddenly recalled, quite clearly, the dark velvet of her voice as she had said, "I need the help of no man."
"Eurus."
He glanced up to see Hestia approaching him with her hands held out in welcome, a warm smile on her serene features. "My lady." He inclined his shining head in greeting. Even though he was a god, he was not allowed to enter the temple letting a man set foot on the grounds meant defiling the sacredness of the temple, what it stood for, and even the women who inhabited it.
"And what brings you here today, golden one?" she inquired, leading him into the relief of a wide sunshade that had not been present a moment ago.
Eurus smiled disarmingly at her. "What makes you think I need a reason to look upon your lovely face, Aunt?"
"Men's wiles do not work on me, youngster." Despite her stern tone, Hestia's eyes were dancing. She was fond of this distant nephew of hers all the gods were related somehow, no matter how obscure the connection and he always exerted himself to be charming and courteous in her presence.
"Very well. Am I allowed to say, then, that your gracious person is missed on Olympus?"
"Hmph. As if you bore any fondness towards that place yourself. My brother," Hestia's eyes grew distant, as if she were regarding Zeus's palace, "may hold lavish balls on that high mountain of his, but he cannot keep his own wife in good humor and her proper place."
Eurus's smile was mocking. "Ah, but I'm sure he could, if he wanted. The thing is, he wants more to seek his pleasure where and as he pleases. And tell me truly can you really see, and would you really want, your queenly sister, the esteemed Queen Hera, among your Vestal Virgins?"
Hestia laughed merrily. "Impertinent boy! If you showed such wit and more of those roguish smiles of yours at the Olympian festivities, your company would be greatly solicited."
"Maybe so, but the question is not whether they desire my company, but whether I desire theirs," he said arrogantly, before laughing at himself as well.
"Now that we have settled my social agenda, my brother's infidelity, and your popularity, I'm afraid you really must tell me why you've come other than to flatter me. I have a guest who is, I am sure, waiting very patiently, but I have no wish to keep her waiting."
Eurus nodded. "I understand. It's merely a hypothetical inquiry but suppose you suspected a woman was being maltreated physically and most likely emotionally by a husband, a father, or a lover. What would you do about it?"
Hestia's delicate eyebrows rose in perfectly-curved crescents. "Well, nothing, without proof." She smiled sadly at his baffled expression. "You are so young, Eurus, among the immortals. We are gods, but this does not mean we are free to treat mortals any way we want. Zeus treats with the merchants, the artisans, the aristocrats, and the farmers, currying their favor, so they continue to worship us and so they work together. Without these bonds of unity, without the temples they build and the proper respect, man's darker side would run rampant.
"It is true that many men mistreat their wives, but we hesitate to incur their anger. We also do not believe in infringing upon the sacred marital vows or the peace of a family, but if the woman comes to us seeking refuge, of course we do not hesitate to grant it to her and will from then on protect her with all our resources."
Eurus's blue eyes flicked towards the high walls for a moment, knowing that formidable female warriors trained and resided there, but said no more.
"Exactly how hypothetical is this situation?"
He shook his head. "If any developments occur, I will let you know."
Hestia peered at him closely. "Be careful, Eurus."
"Aren't I always, Hestia?"
She frowned. "No, of course not. You're young yet, although age is no guarantee for wisdom. You have a recklessness inside you, child."
He tried a flippant smile. "Now you are confusing me with Zephyr."
Sternly, she replied, "I confuse nothing. Zephyrus is entirely different than you. You think more highly of him that you would like to admit."
Eurus shrugged uncomfortably. "Well, I don't want to encourage him. Thank you for your time, and your words, Hestia. I hope to see you again soon." Escorting her to the door, he continued in an idle tone, "This visitor of yours who tears you from me...she would not happen to go by the name of Rei, would she?"
Hestia looked at him sharply. "You know Rei?"
He hesitated. "I have met her once before, I believe. It is an uncommon name."
Hestia frowned darkly. In proper circumstances, Eurus would not have met her as Rei, but as Kassia, avatar of Lord Ares. "Yes, Rei is my guest today, and often. She is a lovely young woman, as I'm sure you've noticed but very troubled. I would caution you not to further the acquaintance, Eurus."
As the doors were opened for her, he bowed smoothly. "I would not want to invite your displeasure, Aunt."
~~~~~*~~~~~
"And what's going on today?" Lehana inquired, regarding the scene before her with minute surprise. She and the other avatars were frequent visitors on the flower-bedecked Mount Ida, where they had many friends among the nymphs who dwelled there. The avatars were accustomed to the festivities now, but Lehana could not recall what holiday it could be.
Dryope, one of her closest friends among the nymphs, smiled brightly and explained, "Lord Dionysus has come to visit and brought some of his friends." "Some" had turned out to be over two dozen young mortals, gods, and satyrs who had come from miles around to join in the celebration.
Lehana's mouth quirked in exasperation as she surveyed the men and women gaily disporting themselves. "Well, in that case, don't tell them who I am just introduce me as your friend Lita if anyone asks."
"And that isn't who you are, Leha?" asked quiet Sabrina, the blonde-haired dryad who flanked her left side.
Flustered, the brunette shook her head. "No, that's not what I meant... Just...don't tell them that I'm Zeus's avatar."
"Very well. It will be as you wish. Now come!" Dryope urged excitedly, pulling her towards the ring of dancers.
As they approached, another nymph appeared from the fray with dimples in both cheeks and scores of flower garlands slung about her person. She took one off her arm and placed it on Lehana's glossy curls. "Hello, sweetheart," she greeted, kissing Leha's cheek, "it's about time you got here. I saved this one just for you, knowing you'd like the oak leaves." They were twined with pink rosebuds.
She smiled at the nymph, Lily, who reminded her of Mehalia, even though Melia was blonde and Lily redheaded. "Thank you, Lily."
"I'm starving; let's eat," Dryope exclaimed, dragging them off to the pretty gazebo where food, mostly fruits, and drink were arranged. Selecting a bunch of plump green grapes, she scaled a nearby tree and, once she was seated on a branch, curled up against the trunk and laughed down at them merrily. In the meantime, Leha greeted some of the other dryads she knew who were clustered there.
Lily soon dashed off to embrace another newcomer and shower them with flower garlands until she was drawn into the ring of dancers, where she remained, her garlands disposed of, and she never lacked a partner.
Choosing a cup of ambrosia over Dionysus's wine, Sabrina took a seat more sedately and asked, "And how are things on Olympus, Leha?"
"Hm...things have actually been a bit dull, lately. Hera and Aphrodite have been complaining, so Zeus is giving a ball soon a masquerade ball, you see, where everyone is supposed to come in costume." Lehana smiled to herself at the delighted reaction of the nymphs; after the initial squeals, they immediately turned to planning their attire for the anticipated event. Within a fortnight, every deity in the world would know of the ball.
She turned her head slightly when she noticed ripples in the stream running alongside their gathering, then cried, "Panopea!"
The Nereid rose from the water in the midst of a jetting fountain, smiling warmly at Lehana. "Hello, Leha. Are you enjoying the festivities?"
"Yes, very much. It's good to see you again; it's been much too long. Tell me, how are things in Poseidon's kingdom?"
Panopea laughed. "Now, do you think I'll reveal all our secrets to a land-dweller?"
Leha smiled back. "Not secrets, just gossip."
"Very well. My cousin Michiru, I believe you're acquainted, aren't you? is to be married this autumn. Will you come to the wedding?"
"Of course! I hadn't heard oh, but I haven't seen Michiru in some time. Is it a love match, then?" she added uncertainly, remembering suddenly that unless the world had been set entirely upside down, Haruka would not be pleased.
The blue-haired woman sobered instantly. "No, I do not believe so. Lord Poseidon made a contract with his brother, your lord. It seems that one of the wind gods was getting a bit out of hand in his affairs, and they thought marriage would steady him. A stupid notion, but that's men for you." Leha laughed at that in complete agreement. "Poor Michiru, being as beautiful and as well-connected as she is, was chosen in hopes that she could keep his attention from straying," Panopea explained. "And she has gone unattached for so long, I'm sure Poseidon thought he was doing her a favor."
Leha snorted in response, clearly showing her opinion of the messy affair. However, her attention was just then distracted by the approach of Dryope and a very tall, very handsome man with wavy brown hair and midnight blue eyes. Her spine snapped straight the instant their eyes met, and hers widened incredulously when she realized where she had seen this man before.
Completely unaware of the deadly sparks Leha's eyes were shooting, Dryope led the not-quite-stranger closer, chattering unconcernedly as they neared. Notus looked up from her eager face, and after the initial surprise wore off, his eyebrows rose sardonically, as if questioning how someone of her probable background was associating with the nymphs.
"Here she is! This is Lita, the girl I've been wanting to introduce you to for forever," Dryope chirped cheerfully, glancing at her friend in hope of a positive reaction.
"We've met," she replied icily, all signs of good nature gone from her face.
Looking at what now resembled an aloof flower goddess, Notus, with laughing eyes, seized her unwilling hand and kissed it courteously. "Charmed to see you again, Miss Lita, was it? I'm Nephrite."
She gritted her teeth, desperately wanting to wipe that needling smile off his face.
It was Dryope's turn to raise her eyebrows as she looked between the two of them, but she always loved a good joke. If both of them wanted to pretend they were someone else today, she wouldn't be the one to correct it. "Well, I'll leave you two to get further acquainted then. Cheers!" She bounded off, leaving Notus and Lehana staring at each other: he with an ironic smile on his face, she as angry as a hissing wildcat.
~~~~~*~~~~~
AN: And this is the fruit of my long absence...so, how has everyone been? Right now, I'm mainly working on LAFS, Soulmates, and Avatars, so expect chapters for those as soon as I get around to writing them. Thanks for reading!
~Ice
The Avatars
